Leave a Lasting Legacy — Start Planning Today!
Know Your Options Now.
Protect What Matters Tomorrow.
Proper estate planning ensure your wishes are honored in the event of incapacity and death. These tools aren't just for seniors or the wealthy—they're valuable for individuals of all ages and income levels.
Through our partnership with Meriwest Wealth Advisors and Affinity Trusts, Meriwest members have access to trusted legal, tax, and insurance professionals who can help create customized plans that:
- Provide for effective financial management and healthcare decisions upon incapacity
- Ensure the orderly, cost-effective and private transferring of your assets upon your passing
- Care for minor children and dependents
- Direct assets to charitable causes or nonprofit groups
- Minimize federal estate taxes
- Avoid probate and its related expenses, publicity and delays
Complimentary Webinar
Living Trusts and Estate Planning Webinar Hosted by Meriwest Credit Union
- TBA
Getting started
It’s important to have an estate planning strategy in place as soon as you have acquired assets or are legally responsible for minor children.
- Your specific plan may begin with a simple Will and develop into a full-fledged strategy that includes a Living Trust.
- As a valued member of Meriwest Credit Union, you have access to free estate planning documents such as discounted living trusts, prepared by experienced attorneys.
- We proudly partnered with a reputable group, Affinity Trusts, to bring these services to our members. Learn more about Affinity Trusts.
Meet Natalie Spiwak from Affinity Trusts
It's likely that you have some questions about creating an estate plan. To schedule a complimentary consultation with Natalie Spiwak, call 310-882-6537, ext. 101, or email natalie@affinitytrusts.com.
Meet with a Meriwest Wealth Advisor
Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation review of your investment portfolio and life insurance policies, call (408) 866-1002 or email.
| Comprehensive Estate Plan | Meirwest Member Pricing (California Residents) | |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $3,000 | $1,795 + $25 Property Title Search |
| Married | $4,000 | $2,095 + $25 Property Title Search |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who Needs Estate Planning?
EVERYONE! You do not need to be wealthy to have an estate plan; you simply need to have possessions or money, even the smallest amount, to be passed on. Additionally, estate planning refers to medical and health procedures and power of attorney documents that make sure your wishes are carried out if you are unable to make decisions on your own behalf.
"As many as 120,000,000 Americans do not have up-to-date estate plans," says Clark McCleary, president of the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC). "That makes it one of the most overlooked areas of personal finance, but it's also one of the most important. Estate planning protects you, your family and your family's future, so it shouldn't be put off."
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What is Probate?
Probate is the court procedure used to change title to assets from the name of an individual who has passed away, into the name of the living beneficiaries. It is also where all creditors of a decedent file claims to collect their debts and where interested parties who have a complaint regarding the deceased can file their complaint (a will contest). Even without a contest, probate can be costly and time-consuming and taking anywhere from nine months to two years to complete in California. Probate is also a public proceeding.
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What is a Revocable Living Trust?
A Revocable Living Trust is a legal document that holds title or ownership to your real property and other assets. When you create a Revocable Living Trust you transfer ownership of your assets to the trust. Transferring assets is typically called "funding." When you transfer title, you DO NOT relinquish any control. You can still buy, sell, borrow or transfer. It includes the details and instructions for how you want your estate to be handled at your death, and who will have the authority to do so. However, unlike a Will a properly funded trust:
- Does not go through probate.
- Prevents the courts from controlling your assets at incapacity.
- Gives you control over the assets you leave to your minor children or grandchildren.
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What is Incapacity, and How Can I Plan for It?
Incapacity planning is a broad area of law that covers how you are cared for if you become physically or mentally unable to care for yourself. The type of care could range from simple tasks like buying groceries, paying bills, and handling financial matters to more important decisions such as selling real estate, or making critical medical decisions. Depending on the needs of the individual or family, incapacity planning can include several planning techniques such as a Durable Power of Attorney for Asset Administration and an Advance Health Care Directive.
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What services can Affinity Trusts provide?
- Detailed Estate Planning
- Revocable Living Trust
- Trust Certification
- Declaration of Intent
- Pourover Will
- Advance Health Care Directive
- HIPAA
- Durable Power of Attorney for Asset Administration
- Deed transferring Primary Residence into the Trust
- Detailed Successor Trustee Manual
- Individual Bequest Sheets
- Personal Message Guide
- Notary Public fee included
- Letters of Instruction for Financial Institutions